The bus stop on Cockayne Rd in Kandallah where the incident took place. Photo: Krystal Gibbens
The police want the public's help with information after a man allegedly threatened a woman with a small child with a blade before being tasered and hospitalised in Wellington's Khandallah.
About 12pm on Thursday Police were called to a bus stop on Cockayne Rd in what the police have described as a family harm incident.
As well as threatening the woman the 32-year-old allegedly damaged the bus shelter, police said.
Detective Senior Sergeant Tim Leitch said officers tried to engage with the man.
Damage done to the bus stop. Photo: Krystal Gibbens
He was tasered, and he fell to the ground hitting his head.
"The man received immediate medical attention by officers and was transported by ambulance to hospital, where he remains in a critical condition.
The victim was also treated for a minor injury, believed to have been caused by the "bladed object".
"Thankfully, the child was uninjured and both the woman and child are being provided with support."
He said police were aware of others that assisted or witnessed the incident who have not yet spoken to officers and he wanted those people to get in contact.
"[It] was a volatile and unpredictable incident where there was an immediate threat to life, and would like to thank the members of the public who called 111 without hesitation."
Charges were still being considered.
The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Conduct Authority.
Where to get help:
Women's Refuge:(0800 733 843
It's Not OK 0800 456 450
Shine: 0508 744 633
Victim Support: 0800 842 846
HELP Call 24/7 (Auckland): 09 623 1700, (Wellington): 04 801 6655 - push 0 at the menu
The National Network of Family Violence Services NZ has information on specialist family violence agencies.
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
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